Hats off to Clare Devine's Latest Collection

Scotland-based knitwear designer Clare Devine has brought out her latest pattern collection - this time focussing on hats. It's certainly the right time of the year to start knitting warm accessories, and Devine's patterns, The Tea Collection, look particularly inviting and much nicer than a beanie picked up in a chain store.

Earl Grey photo courtesy of Ravelry

Each of the 11 patterns are named after a particular type of tea. Says Devine on Ravelry:

"Consisting of eleven hats this collection features an interesting range of hats, some are easy and relaxing, others great for learning new skills. None are are overly complex and each one is an utter delight to knit."

Peppermint Leaves image courtesy of Ravelry

What makes the collection extra-special in my eyes is that the suggested yarn is also Scottish, dyed and sold by Jess from the wonderful Edinburgh yarn shop Ginger Twist Studios. She's also the model in the photos. The pair have collaborated together before on the pattern book Head to Toe. Coincidentally I finished a couple of days ago knitting the Elgin socks from this book: after a couple of false starts whilst I got the hang of a new technique they were fun to knit, look great and are snuggly to wear around the house.

It's difficult for me to choose a favourite design from The Tea Collection, being a close call between Peppermint Leaves - I adore the leaf design on the top of the hat - and Earl Grey, mainly because I'm a sucker for a pom pom. For me, whilst I'd love both, I think Peppermint Leaves just wins by an edge.

The collection costs £12 on Ravelry and for buying the lot Devine will throw in two free cowl patterns.

Find information about Clare's work and other patterns on her website Yarn and Pointy Sticks.